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Ticks appearing in Finland’s Arctic

Cases of tick-borne encephalitis were recorded in Espoo and elsewhere last year, with risk areas climbing as far north as Finland’s Arctic Lapland region. City-dwellers with dogs should also consider getting the vaccine, says doctor Janne Castrén.

Coastlines and islands are favorites for vacationing Finns, but also for potentially dangerous disease-bearing ticks. The tiny menace is traditionally considered a southern problem, but with the gradual warming of the climate, ticks have traveled north, says doctor Janne Castrén.

Disease-carrying tick species have moved more than 185 miles north in less than 10 years. The northernmost risk municipality is Simo, in southern Lapland. All infection cases were found in the south of the country, however, with the areas of Hankoniemi, Lohja and Tampere also showing heightened risk levels.

“Last year’s statistics show new risk areas, with Espoo at the top of the list,” Castrén says.

The infection data comes with a delay, so alertness is key. The only way to protect oneself from tick-borne encephalitis is with a vaccine. Lyme disease, another malady in the arachnid’s repertoire, can be treated with antibiotics.

Dogs might collect ticks

Owning a pet can raise the risk of catching tick-borne diseases. Dogs may pick up ticks in their fur when romping in the undergrowth of forests.

The National Institute for Health and Welfare recommends long-sleeved shirts and trousers as a preventive measure against ticks. Castrén advises people to be systematic about getting vaccinated.

“It starts from anticipating where one will be traveling or spending time within the next five years,” Castrén says. “If dog-owners get ticks in their homes on a weekly basis, it would be prudent of them to get the vaccine.”

This story is posted on Alaska Dispatch as part of Eye on the Arctic, a collaborative partnership between public and private circumpolar media organizations.